To build a bonfire on the beach, head to Assateague

You'd think a breezy resort town that's been around since the late 1800s would have its share of secrets. But if the good folks of Ocean City know of any, they're not fessing up. "As far as secrets, that's a tough one since we basically promote everything we have to offer," says Donna Abbott, the local tourism spokeswoman. "It's pretty tough keeping secrets in this town." Indeed, Maryland's famed resort along the Atlantic Ocean -- one that draws upwards of 8 million visitors annually -- doesn't have much to hide. With 10 tidy miles of beach and a nearly three-mile boardwalk packed with arcades and eateries, the charms of these sandy shores are easily revealed. "The secret of Ocean City is that while it's changed in many ways with the condos and high-rise buildings, at heart, it remains the same," says Joe Kro-Art, longtime owner of the Ocean Gallery World Center, a kitschy art gallery on the boardwalk. "Deep down, it's still a family town, with strong family ties." So what should visitors know about Ocean City? Here are 10 that may not be secrets but are definitely off the well-beaten sandy path. - Donna M. Owens, Special to The Baltimore Sun ALSO SEE: Beach Guide 2012 | What's new in Ocean City | Ocean City myths

Rachael Pacella, The Baltimore Sun

For those in search of a calmer beach experience, nearby Assateague National Island Seashore can be a good alternative to Ocean City. And there's another perk to this great park- you can have bonfires on the beach.

There is no better way to unwind than to sit around a fire with friends, eating smores, and looking up at the stars - which are easier to see at the park, miles away from civilization. Its something Ive done regularly for many years.

If youre going to have a fire on the beach, you'll need to pay an entry fee to get into the park. A seven-day pass for a vehicle is $15, and an annual pass for a vehicle is $30 (keep this in mind if you plan on coming multiple weeks). Here are some more steps and tips.

1. Kindle up. Before you head into the park pick up some firewood, kindling and old newspapers. There are plenty of places to pick up firewood while driving to Assateague on Route 611- just pick one and load up. Id suggest at least 10 logs, more depending on how long you want to stay. And you should buy your firewood locally. You cannot bring any from out of state to prevent to spread of exotic insect pests (http://www.nps.gov/asis/upload/FirewAlert.pdf).

2. Bug out. Before you go you should also make sure you bring bug spray, a flashlight and a bucket. Assateague can fill up with mosquitoes, so the bug spray is a must to make sure you dont get eaten alive. Going when there is a wind headed away from the ocean (west) will also spare you some insect activity. A flashlight will be important to find your way back to your vehicle after it gets dark. It also has some more fun uses, like taking a walk along the beach at night, when you can see ghost crabs scurrying along the shore. You'll need the bucket to put out your fire. You cant just smother the fire with sand - thats illegal. Someone could step on your not-yet-extinguished embers and get seriously hurt. So you'll use the bucket to extinguish the fire with water.

4. Pick a good spot to set up. You can have bonfires in areas of the beach that are not guarded, so once you get past the gates head south. Just shy of the Over Sand Vehicle Zone is where a lot of people set up.

5. Build your fire. Once you find your spot, you need to set up your fire. First you should dig a hole to build the fire in, protecting it from the wind. I have always gone the classic fire-building route of setting up a teepee with your logs, putting the kindling under there and then crumpled up newspapers under the kindling. Light the newspapers on fire and hopefully the kindling should catch, then the firewood. If youre not a confident fire-builder, you should be able to find some fire starting logs where you pick up your wood. Theyre a tremendous help.

Thats it. Youre all set to relax. You can tell ghost stories, sing campfire songs, or just chill out and eat as many smores as possible. (If youre looking to get dinner, hot dogs are also great.) Take a break from the fire to walks on the beach, which is always beautiful in the moonlight.

Lastly, be wary of the ponies. Youre likely to see some nearby during your bonfire. Please do not feed them. Keep our s'mores to yourself.